Is it viable to install Windows 8.1 on a laptop from 2021?

[chuser]

I hate hate hate Windows 10, and don't even ask me about Windows 11. Unfortunately that's what all new laptops come pre-installed with. I love my current laptop but it is just slowly breaking, the USB ports are erratic, the Wi-Fi drops, and sometimes it bluescreens and crashes in the middle of a session (hardware error). I found a seller who says that she can install Windows 8.1 on a new laptop for me, but I'm doubtful if it will work. The hardware may not be supported. The laptop is a 2021 model, I copy & paste the description she sent below:

DELL Inspiron 16-5625-R1705S AMD Barcelo R7-5825U/16GB DDR4 3200MHz (8Gx2)/512GB SSD/16.0" (1920x1200) 16:10 WVA LCD Narrow HD Anti-Glare 60Hz
LBL 300nit/No ODD/Win11 with Office H&S/AMD Barcelo-U UMA/2Y Carry In/4 Cell 54Whrs/MediaTek Wi-Fi 6 MT7921 2x2/Mcafee 15M/Backlit KB/Cam

I really like the AMD Ryzen mobile CPU. I also like the full-size laptop, I need a workstation not just a media consumption device. Is installing Windows 8.1 fresh from CDs going to work on a 2021 laptop like this?

 

[TechnoMage]

The 8.1 OS will run on just about anything, but your kitchen stove. And that depends on the CPU in your stove.

If Win-10 ran on your laptop then 8.1 surely would, because they share much the same driver package. But, when in doubt, first back up your hard drive to an external drive. Then install 8.1 to your HD, and see how it works. Success or failure could depend on just where you get your copy of Win 8.1 and what version you get.
I'd give it a try, because I really love Windows 8.1 and I currently have it running on 12 PC's, desktops and laptops included, of various ages.
If everything fails, just restore your backup and move on. I've never had to do that, because 8.1 is so versatile.

 

[chuser]

Yeah, but will the new laptop's hardware be supported by Windows 8.1? I'm doubtful. New wifi hardware, new Ryzen CPU with advanced features, etc.

 

[Teeotsa]

Yeah, but will the new laptop's hardware be supported by Windows 8.1? I'm doubtful. New wifi hardware, new Ryzen CPU with advanced features, etc.

You will be able to install Windows 8.1 and MAYBE some drivers .

And no, most of your hardware does not support Windows 8 .

You might get something to work, not guaranteed tho .

 

[dave67]

You will be able to install Windows 8.1 and MAYBE some drivers .

And no, most of your hardware does not support Windows 8 .

You might get something to work, not guaranteed tho .

Wifi is one of them

 

[Teeotsa]

Wifi is one of them

Yeah , and the graphics .

 

[TechnoMage]

On the topic, I just have to ask "Why Not". I swear, Windows 8.1 would install on a refrigerator, if you could find the USB port!
I can't even remember or list all the PC's that I've installed Windows 8.1 on. (both x86 and 64 bit)
It's just Never failed to install drivers that are able to get the PC up and running. It may even update some of those drivers on subsequent boots.

Today I swapped SSD's between two PC of different brands, and both PC's are running great right now. I'm on one of those PC's right now.
Everything is working great. On first boot, Win-8.1 took a couple of minutes to install new drivers, then took off and ran like it had always been there.

Don't just sit here and guess about it,,,,,TRY IT!

For the greatest compatibility, I got the very latest, New & Improved, Windows 8.1/Pro/64 from "Generation 2".
It has improved security and an improved Driver Pack.

You can install this version, with or without an MS Lic. key. Your choice.

Cheers Mates!
TM

 

[dave67]

On the topic, I just have to ask "Why Not". I swear, Windows 8.1 would install on a refrigerator, if you could find the USB port!
I can't even remember or list all the PC's that I've installed Windows 8.1 on. (both x86 and 64 bit)
It's just Never failed to install drivers that are able to get the PC up and running. It may even update some of those drivers on subsequent boots.

Today I swapped SSD's between two PC of different brands, and both PC's are running great right now. I'm on one of those PC's right now.
Everything is working great. On first boot, Win-8.1 took a couple of minutes to install new drivers, then took off and ran like it had always been there.

Don't just sit here and guess about it,,,,,TRY IT!

For the greatest compatibility, I got the very latest, New & Improved, Windows 8.1/Pro/64 from "Generation 2".
It has improved security and an improved Driver Pack.
View attachment 72152
You can install this version, with or without an MS Lic. key. Your choice.

Cheers Mates!
TM

Is there a direct download link for their latest version?

 

[dave67]

On the topic, I just have to ask "Why Not". I swear, Windows 8.1 would install on a refrigerator, if you could find the USB port!
I can't even remember or list all the PC's that I've installed Windows 8.1 on. (both x86 and 64 bit)
It's just Never failed to install drivers that are able to get the PC up and running. It may even update some of those drivers on subsequent boots.

Today I swapped SSD's between two PC of different brands, and both PC's are running great right now. I'm on one of those PC's right now.
Everything is working great. On first boot, Win-8.1 took a couple of minutes to install new drivers, then took off and ran like it had always been there.

Don't just sit here and guess about it,,,,,TRY IT!

For the greatest compatibility, I got the very latest, New & Improved, Windows 8.1/Pro/64 from "Generation 2".
It has improved security and an improved Driver Pack.
View attachment 72152
You can install this version, with or without an MS Lic. key. Your choice.

Cheers Mates!
TM

The sticking point with laptops is wifi drivers as the wifi module has no drivers for 8.1. You can get away with having no wifi on a desktop.

 

[TechnoMage]

I've used MANY little USB/wifi adapters, that meet or exceed the performance of the built in WiFi adapters.
My favorite is the little "Edimax" usb/wifi adapter. It's only an inch long! I've even used that little gizmo on a 6' usb extension cable, so I could place the adapter up and away from the laptop for a better connection. It's all about 'Location, Location, Location!

Before you say "Win-8.1 can't do it", give it a chance. I've installed 8.1 to six laptops, of various age and brands, and the WiFi works on every one of them, even on my little Netbook, that originally came with XP on it.

Happy Trails!
TM

 

[dave67]

I've used MANY little USB/wifi adapters, that meet or exceed the performance of the built in WiFi adapters.
My favorite is the little "Edimax" usb/wifi adapter. It's only an inch long! I've even used that little gizmo on a 6' usb extension cable, so I could place the adapter up and away from the laptop for a better connection. It's all about 'Location, Location, Location!

Before you say "Win-8.1 can't do it", give it a chance. I've installed 8.1 to six laptops, of various age and brands, and the WiFi works on every one of them, even on my little Netbook, that originally came with XP on it.

Happy Trails!
TM

Yes I'm aware of Wifi adapters but they take up a USB port and modern laptops have limited USB ports compared to ones from the Windows 8 era due to the emphasis on the thin and light design pioneered by the Macbook Air.

 

[TechnoMage]

What can I say?
Yes, I'm painfully aware of the limited I/O ports on new laptops, and I'm also very glad that I don't have to buy one.
I have two laptops set up as semi-permanent PC's and I have a USB HUB on both. For instance, if I want to plug in a USB Flash Drive, it's just easier to plug it in to a HUB than fiddle around plugging it in to the laptop itself.

Recently, I bought a new USB Hub, that has three USB ports on it and 4 Memory Card slots. Very handy!

Good luck Mate!

 

[SCANNERMAN]

Oh boy. Wish I would have red this sooner. Some AMD system boards will literally scream at you that Windows 8.1 is not compliant with their hardware. I tried this with an X570 HERO and eventually I had to remove the O/S because I was getting tired of the nagware. Sure it worked (kinda sorta) but it wasn't worth the grief and the headaches generated by not having the right drivers and fighting with the warning pop ups everytime I tried to do an update. Can it be done? Sure. Should it be done? Perhaps not. I elected to run the Hero with Linux in the end, which is rather sad considering it was a gaming build. I now have Windows 10 on the thing (after doing some rather extensive surgery) paired with Linux in a dual boot config. So far, so good but if I had to do it over again I would have avoided installing Windows 8.1 in this case.

 

[TechnoMage]

On many forums, it's required to declare your location. It makes it easier on anyone responding to you if they know which way to face when talking to you.
What country are you in, and where did you get that PC that doesn't like Windows 8.1?

All twelve of my computers, laptops and desktops alike, were all purchased right here in the good ol' USA. And every one of them, running AMD or even Intel CPU's seem to just love Windows 8.1, both 32 bit and 64 bit, depending on the CPU.

Success or failure could also depend on 'where you're getting your Windows 8.1' ???

Scannerman, I'm not trying to be critical, but just curious, why you're having problems with Windows 8.1, when I don't! I'm just expressing my own curiosity and really do not require an answer.

Y'all have a great day now,
Cheers mate!
TM

 

[SCANNERMAN]

Yes. I'm not sure why my profile information doesn't show. I'm in Canada. I did check with the manufacturer of the system board (ASUS) and they were quite adamant that I did NOT install Windows 8.1 on this particular board. I also tried getting Win 8.1 to take on a TUF B450-PLUS and was met with very similar results. In the end I switched that one over to Windows 10 as well. I'm not saying it couldn't be installed. In fact I didn't even suggest that. I'm just saying that the quickest way to get away from all the nagware and to ensure that you have functional drivers on these newer systems is to run with Windows 10. Windows actually refused to do anymore updates because I was not using the recommended o/s. I also have at least 16 different PCs and laptops that readily took Windows 8.1 without issue and I can't rightly say how many builds I've done that did not give me this problem. All of them were considerably older than these two system boards I've mentioned except for one, which sadly, out of curiosity, I upgraded to Windows 11. *edited* Profile has been updated.

 

[chuser]

In the end, I bought a Dell Vostro laptop and had the seller install Windows 10 Pro on it. After I defanged the spyware with O&O ShutUp10 and Blackbird, I installed OpenShell (formerly Classic Shell) and got the Start menu back. I uninstalled a lot of the crapware and it looks like my old Windows 8.1 now. Well, without the Charms. But I never saw those menus anyway unless I was turning Bluetooth on and off.

 

[SCANNERMAN]

Congrats. Such a shame that we have to resort to so much modification on our Windows operating systems these days just to get something reliable that isn't breathing down our necks. I don't see much changing in the future; but if the industry were using their noggins they should provide a version of Windows that is completely bare bones and nonsense free, without the need for setting up a Microsoft account, or any extraneous Windows dressing (couldn't resist the pun). Methinks if they priced it right it would sell like hot cakes. Plus they could continue to make money on aps (Office, Power Point, Media Player etc.) like they do already.

 

[TechnoMage]

Microsoft account? Never had one, and never will have one. Not required to install a nice clean version of Windows 8.1.
Microsoft is NOT the only source for that OS, ya know? KISS!

Win 8.1 is a really nice OS, if you get it from the right place.

 

[SCANNERMAN]

Okay, I'll byte.. What place do you recommend you get Win 8.1 from? There are many.

 

[TechnoMage]

Yeah, I'm more than aware that there are numerous sites where one can download software, including OS's. I've not been sittin' here on my hands for the past 40+ years. But, thank Goodness, I've found one site where all the software is top quality and free of crapware, etc.
Microsoft doesn't own all the good programmers in the world. Eh?

I've downloaded and saved to Flash Drives, every OS from XP to 11.
I've heard many people on here, shudder at the mention of Windows 10 or 11. I can install either or both of them, and in just a little while have them up and running as smooth as silk and as friendly as a furry little kitten. My latest install of Windows 11/Pro/64, for instance, tooks to the user just like a well oiled Windows 7. The new Classic Shell is a Must Have though. That just smoothes out a lot of the rough spots, pot holes, etc. Without the Shell, both 10 or 11 are still POC's.
However, Looks aside, they both come with a very complete Drivers Package.

I prefer Windows 8.1/Pro/64 for my daily OS, but if forced to do so, I could run either Windows 10 or even 11 with no problem.

Happy Holidays, Mates!
TM